Y is for Yo Gabba Gabba!

I thought that this would be a good time for another favorite things-themed post.  I want to remember the little man's numerous stages and phases and it's time to capture some of his latest faves in writing:

Food
Potatoes (in all forms - mashed, baked, french fried, potato salad, pierogies, etc.)
Fish
Waffles
Watermelon
Yogurt
Cheese
Honey Bunnies
Broccoli
Hummus
Chicken
Rice
Eggs
Ice Cream

Books
How Big Is a Pig?  by Clare Beaton
The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry, and the Big Hungry Bear by Don Wood & Audrey Wood
Good Night, Gorilla by Peggy Rathmann
Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown
Where is the Green Sheep? by Mem Fox & Judy Horacek
A Rainbow All Around Me by Sandra L. Pinkney

Songs
Old MacDonald Had a Farm (apparently it's a cat farm)
Ceiling Fan Song (an original)
Where is Thumbkin?
Fire Truck
Yellow Submarine
Goodbye Song (Yo Gabba Gabba!)
Any song by Devo (are you seeing a theme here?)

Toys
Tomy's Gearation
Busy Ball Popper
Garage at Nana and Pa's
All balls

Other
Constructive Eating utensils
"New Friends" episode on Yo Gabba Gabba! featuring Jack Black and the Goodbye Song
Pushing his stroller around the park
Running fast
Riding in the "new car" to see the "choo choo train"
Swimming

He also likes to rock out which was demonstrated while running errands last night.  After we picked up some diapers at the local pharmacy, he insisted on walking to the car.  As we crossed the busy parking lot, a guy started his car and "Fire Woman" by the Cult came blaring from his speakers.  Keni stopped in the middle of the lot, banged his head and threw his body around.  We literally held up traffic in the lot.  A woman came over and told us that she watched the whole thing.  She was cracking up.

X is for Xpats

Keni's little buddy and expatriate, Griffin, was in town for a visit and the two of them had a chance to share meals, bubbles and a party in the living room with all of the stuffed animals.  It was quite the shindig.  Of course,  Bonbon Bunny and the Count weren't the only ones who wanted to get their party on this weekend.  The adults managed to get a little zany as well.  We jammed in a whole lotta fun and this lady is still trying to recover from all of the excitement.

Piano Party

Dinner Party (bring out the fancy silverware and birthday cake centerpiece)

"Don't Drink Too Much But Drink Enough" Party

Seriously...DDTMBDE Party

Purple Princess Tent Party

I'm One and I Rock Party

Honor Our Troops Party

Stop the Party, Pause and Reflect

Picnic in the Sculpture Park Party

Bubble Party (thanks for the awsome pic, Jon!)

W is for Weekend

This past weekend was filled with sunshine and new experiences.  We went to the Breakheart Reservation for the very first time and enjoyed a delicious picnic with friends.  Keni was loving the food and the fact that we were eating in open space with fresh air ("mama, eat outside!").  He chowed down a hummus, cheese and avocado sandwich; fresh strawberries & mango; mixed nuts; and a gluten-free rice krispie treat (yum!).  After lunch, the kids played on the swings, dug in the sand, collected rocks, and chucked the rocks into the water.  Can't wait to return to this spot during the summer months.  Thanks for the intro, guys!

The following day, my little dude rode on a boat for the first time.  Initially, he was very serious and just wanted to sit on my lap and take it all in (nice and easy for me!).  Once he realized that this boat was going to give him access to some great views of wind turbines, cranes and some pretty big boats, he was completely sold.  We stopped for lunch and he kept trying to convince me that we needed to get back on the boat.  As promised by our captain and his missus, we all fell asleep very early that night and slept through until the sun came up.  Thanks for an awesome day and for sharing your cool boat with our little family.

V is for Venerable

When you think of the word "venerable" does it make you think of a judge?  Well, it does for me and we just happened to meet a judge this week, so I thought it was an appropriate choice.  On Wednesday, we appeared in court to finalize Keni's adoption in the US.  Joined by family, we spent a total of five minutes seated around a table in the judge's chambers while he signed a paper and congratulated us.  We took some photos and then we were off to a local deli for a delicious breakfast.

The last milestone we celebrated in our adoption process was back on November 13, 2010.  It's incredible how much has changed since landing in the US with our tired and confused baby boy.  We are feeling really strong, healthy, and bonded.  I am eternally grateful for the privilege of raising this amazing child (who also happens to rock a bow tie).

U is for Unexpected

When I came home from work on Thursday, I was greeted by one very proud little guy who was waiting to wish me a "Happy Birthday".  Mike told me that Keni had been working very hard on some Mother's Day gifts for me at his daycare.  He was beaming while he walked me through the details of creating his precious works of art. 

I have been practicing with him saying "Happy Mother's Day" so that he can share the message with others.  We are making progress. "Happy Monday" to all the wonderful women in my life who teach me how to be a better person, mother, friend and daughter.

T is for "This One's For the Ladies"

S is for Shampoo Mohawk



longer hair = better mohawk



recent shampoo look